MCEDC to Begin Awarding Second Round of Restaurant Relief Grants

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation will begin accepting applications for a second round of relief grants for county restaurants on Monday, Feb. 1, the corporation announced. Restaurants, food trucks, caterers, wineries and breweries that did not get a Phase 1 grant are eligible for an award of $10,000 from $4.9 million in state funds the county received.

Trio Applies for License to Open Restaurant/Bar in Former Jackie’s Location

A partnership of three individuals have applied for a liquor license to operate Shalla Restaurant and Bar at 8081 Georgia Ave., the former location of Balagger Lounge and, prior to that, Jackie’s Restaurant. The principals of Triple Brothers LLC are Belete Weletaw, Mekonnen Eshete, both of Washington, D.C., and Temesgen Gebeyehu, who lives in the Hillandale neighborhood of Silver Spring.

Local Restaurants Part of Suit Against Recent COVID Restrictions

A group of Montgomery County restaurants and bars, including several in Silver Spring, has filed suit against Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich objecting to the terms of the most recent Executive Order 139-20AM2. The order, approved by the County Council, eliminated indoor dining and provided other restrictions, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Mrs. K’s Restaurant Now Offered for Lease to New Operator

Mrs. K’s Restaurant and Barrel Bar, a Silver Spring institution for 90 years, is now being offered for lease. “The owners want to take the time to find the right operator to take it to the next level,” said the leasing agent, who asked to remain anonymous. The Mrs. K’s name may or may not live on, he said, depending on what that operator decides to do.